Business ProposalHow to write one.

What is a Business Proposal?

•“A proposal is a sales pitch for an idea”

•“Its purpose is to persuade someone go along with your idea AND put it into action”

Business Proposal

A business proposal is perhaps one of the most critical documents you need to learn how to write.

It is what spells the difference between success and failure, whether you’re a freelancer or you have a company of your own.

• suggest an idea to your employer to change a company procedure, hire a new employee, purchase new equipment.

• recommend and idea or project to a committee or board.

• apply for a grant to fund a project.

• solicit financial backing from investors for a new business.

• solicit a contract from a potential customer or client.

Business Proposal are required in a variety of situations…

• Some PROPOSALS, like grant applications, require the completion of extensive application forms and MUST follow a format prescribed by the organization offering the grant.

Information to include in BPs will vary with the situation…

• Define your idea

• Be persuasive

• Anticipate objections

• Explain how to proceed

Criteria for writing a Business Proposal

“The size of your idea will determine the length of

your proposal”

• the purchase of new furniture for your reception area?

OR • a bank loan to start up a new

business?

What are you proposing?

ALL Proposals MUST have• Title

• Headings

_____________________________________________

• Summary

• Appendices

• Cover

The Title

• The title should be terse but clearly identify your idea.

The Headings

• Divide your persuasive argument into subtitled sections to make your proposal easier to read and your rationale easier to follow.

The Summary

• At the BEGINNING, you will provide the busy executive with a synopsis of your idea and main supporting points.

Appendices• Supporting data can be attached AT THE END.

• APPENDICES may include:

• résumés of people involved in the project

• tables & charts of financial figures (statistics)

• any information that would interrupt the flow of your PERSUASIVE argument but is essential to the PROPOSAL.

The Cover

• A LONG PROPOSAL should be bound in a plastic or cardboard cover.

BP Important considerations • Consider the TONE of your proposal.

• Let the LOGIC of your idea predominate.

• Support your idea with FACTS and information.

• Convey your ENTHUSIASM for the idea.

• Communicate a sense of urgency if you want your reader to ACT.

LAST HINT…

“WE began by saying a proposal is a sales PITCH, and you WILL

NOT successfully PITCH and idea you don’t BELIEVE in.”

“BELIEVE in your ideas and TRUST yourself.”